Alemtuzumab therapy for severe autoimmune hemolysis in a patient with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Abstract

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is the most common cause of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), and a subgroup of these patients who develop both these conditions fail to respond to corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs, splenectomy, and iv immunoglobulins. Alemtuzumab is a humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody that is an effective therapy for B-CLL, mycosis fungoides, and T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia. Here we present a case report of a 78-yr-old woman with B-CLL and progressive life-threatening AIHA with hemoglobin count 5.5 g/dL following fludarabine treatment, who was treated successfully with alemtuzumab. The anemia was completely reversed and hemoglobin count remains at 14 g/dL after 15 mo of unmaintained follow-up. No infectious complications were noted during or after alemtuzumab therapy. We conclude that alemtuzumab may be indicated for the treatment of AIHA in B-CLL patients who have failed other treatments.

• Authors: Jeanette Lundin, Claes Karlsson, Fredrik Celsing
• Journal: Medical oncology (Northwood, London, England) (Med Oncol) Vol. 23 Issue 1 Pg. 137-9 ( 2006) ISSN: 1357-0560 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16645240 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antibodies, Neoplasm
• Alemtuzumab

Topics

• Aged
• Alemtuzumab
• Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune (drug therapy, etiology)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antibodies, Neoplasm (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell (complications)